Certification Renewal FAQs

Do I need to submit a new application for recertification?

To renew your certification, complete the online renewal form, report 24 hours of approved Continuing Education Hours (CEHs), and submit the renewal fee.

When can I submit my recertification?

You may submit your renewal application any time during your renewal year. However, depending on volume, we may not begin reviewing applications until July of that year.

I’ve already renewed my membership—does that mean my certification is renewed too?

No, renewing your membership does not automatically renew your certification. Membership and certification renewals are separate processes. To maintain your DBIA certification, you must complete the certification renewal process, which includes submitting your renewal application and required continuing education hours.

I have forgotten my username/password.

Go to my DBIA account and click on “Forgot Password.” Your password will be emailed to the email address listed in your record.

How often must I renew my certification?

Certifications must be renewed every two years, by December 31 of your renewal year.

Is there a grace period after December 31st?

A 30-day grace period extends through January 31. All renewal materials must be submitted by this date to avoid losing your certification status. Alternatively, you may apply for Inactive Status before the renewal deadline to receive a one-year extension.

If I need more time is there an extension option?

You can apply for Inactive Status. The DBIA Inactive status provides DBIA® and Assoc. DBIA® professionals a one-year period in which to meet their recertification requirements. During the time of Inactive status, the DBIA® or Assoc. DBIA® should not be used.

When can I reactivate my credential from Inactive status?

You may reactivate your credential at any time during the one-year Inactive period, as long as you meet all the recertification requirements. This includes submitting a complete renewal application, reporting the required CEHs earned during your renewal cycle and paying the renewal fee. Email renewcertification@dbia.org for more information.

I am retiring soon. Do I still need to renew?

If you are retiring from active professional work in design-build, you may request a Retired status. This status maintains your certification in good standing without requiring CEHs. The Retired status fee is $20 for DBIA members and $50 for non-members.

What if I need to make changes to my renewal application after I’ve submitted it?

Once your renewal application is submitted, it cannot be edited. If you discover an error or need to make changes, please contact us at renewcertification@dbia.org and they can release your application back to you to update.

How do I renew my certification?

At the time of renewal, you will need to have accrued 24 CEHs and pay the renewal fee. The online
process is easy to use and will guide you through each step. If you’d like a preview of the step-by-step process, please see the Quick Start Guide.

What is the fee for recertification?

Renewal fee is $50 for DBIA members and $150 for non-members

What are “pre-approved” Continuing Education Hours?

Pre-approved CEHs are courses or events vetted by DBIA and already included in the system. This includes all DBIA National conferences, courses, webinars, and most Region and Chapter events.

What options do I have for renewal?

There are three options:

1. Renew your certification by reporting 24 CEHs and paying the renewal fee.
2. Apply for Inactive status (one-year extension).
3. Apply for Retired status (if no longer actively working in the field).

How do I enter CEHs?

Log in to your DBIA account and navigate to the “Certifications” section under the top navigation bar.
Select “Recertification Options,” then click “RECERTIFY NOW.” From there, you can see which CEHs are automatically added from your DBIA Transcript, as well as enter additional CEHs manually.

How far back can I claim CEHs?

Continuing Education Hours must be accrued during the 2-year period since your previous renewal
date. So, if your renewal date is December 31, 2025, you will have needed to accrue your hours between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025.

If I attended a DBIA event, will I need proof of attendance?

Your attendance at a DBIA event (conferences, courses, etc.) should auto-populate when renewing under “DBIA Activity from Online Transcript”.

What should I do if I don’t see my DBIA pre-approved events via my Transcript?

If a pre-approved event isn’t listed in your transcript, you can manually enter the hours under “Design-Build Activities.” DBIA staff will confirm your attendance during the review.

If I earn more than 24 CEHs in a two-year period, may I apply the excess to the next renewal cycle?

No. CEHs must be earned and applied within your current two-year cycle to ensure your knowledge stays current with evolving industry practices.

Do I need to provide CEH documentation?

No documentation is required at the time of renewal; however, if your submission is selected for audit, you will be asked to provide a certificate or other proof of attendance for the CEHs in question.

When will I receive confirmation that my renewal has been approved?

Yes. Once your renewal application is submitted, it will be reviewed as soon as possible. While we strive to provide timely updates, review times may vary depending on current volume. We appreciate your patience and are committed to ensuring a thorough and accurate review process.